Resolutions as adopted in Lisbon 2000

Data from historical monuments

Considering

that seismic hazard assessments depend generally on knowledge of the effects of earthquakes over long periods of time (up to at least 500 years),

Recognising

that most historical records prior to 1900 are focused on damage to monumental buildings such as castles, churches, mosques and towers,

The ESC recommends

that a basic ‘code of practice’ be established for the evaluation of the effects of earthquakes on historical monuments taking into account their structural integrity together with their regional and time dependent characteristics.

Macroseismic field investigation missions

Considering

that a damaging earthquake is a unique opportunity to collect pertinent data which otherwise might be lost. This fact refers specially to macroseismic data, which have to be collected in the immediate aftermath, before the cleaning and reconstruction process has started,

The ESC recommends

to explore possibilities that a field investigation team be formed for immediate post-earthquake surveys collecting and evaluating macroseismic data;

the new EMS-98 scale, should be applied;

the data gathered on these missions is disseminated rapidly to the whole seismological community via the Internet and subsequent publications

ESC countries welcome this initiative to explore the possibilities and identify the difficulties of implementing such field investigating missions.

European institutions and other sources will be approached for financial support under ESC auspices.

Thanks

Acknowledging

the hard work of the Local Organising Committee in arranging the XXVII General Assembly of the ESC in Lisbon, and noting the success of the sessions, and fruitful outcomes of many meetings and debates, the ESC Council

Thanks

the LOC for all their efforts in this city of the famous 1755 earthquake, which have resulted in such a memorable conference.